December 11, 2013

Jaylen Hinckley (Challenge 97 ECNL) has been selected to represent Region 3 in their upcoming Spring tour to Italy. The trip will take place from April 16-24, 2014 and will span five cities in 8 days. The assembled team of the top players from the Southeastern part of the United States will consist of 18 players and a full compliment of US Youth Soccer staff coaches. They will have three training sessions, including one at the Italian National Training Center, three matches against elite women's club teams, and a tour of the San Siro (home of AC Milan and Inter Milan). Educational tours will take place in San Marino, Florence, Milan, and Pisa to name a few. Regarded as elite training opportunities, the Olympic Development Program's Regional Teams have a long history of competing in high level international club matches and training environments while also providing some of the country's top players an opportunity to experience a different culture, in an educational setting.

Challenge Director of Coaching and former Region 3 Team Head Coach, Pat O'Toole had this to say about Jaylen's selection: 'We are very proud of Jaylen and couldn't be more excited for her selection to the Regional Team. This is a great opportunity for her to train and compete with some of the top players and coaches in the South while also experiencing the Italian culture. I have had the opportunity to head up similar trips with Region 3 and it is safe to say that she will have a fantastic time!'

'We are excited for Jaylen's selection and wish her the best with this endeavor', said ECNL Director Stuart Self. 'She has been an impact player for us while showing continuous hard work and dedication to her team and club. This is another example of our players being selected for elite training opportunities and the number of girls we have had chosen to regional and national camps this year has been astounding. We are excited for the large number of Challenge players who will be selected for similar events in the future!'

Jaylen joins a very long list of former Challenge players who have been selected to the Regional Team and represented Region 3 in international competition.